Thursday, 16 May 2013

Diabetes Blog Week - Day 4 - Accomplishments Big and Small

Welcome back to day 4 of Diabetes Blog Week. It’s going OK so far and I’m loving to chance exploring other blogs I’d not seen before and hopefully I’ve got a few new readers here too. Regular visitors are welcomed back warmly too. Really short one today though I’m afraid but if you’re working your way through the many available this week you may appreciate that!

"We don’t always realise it, but each one of us had come a long way since diabetes first came into our life. It doesn’t matter if it’s been 5 weeks, 5 years or 50 years, you’ve done something outstanding diabetes-wise. So today let’s share the greatest accomplishment you've made in terms of dealing with your (or your loved one’s) diabetes. No accomplishment is too big or too small - think about self-acceptance, something you’ve mastered (pump / exercise / diet / etc.), making a tough care decision (finding a new endo or support group / choosing to use or not use a technology / etc.). (Thanks to Hilary of Rainie and Me for this topic suggestion.)"

Today’s topic is a hard one. My family is not traditionally known for it’s trumpet blowing and whilst a few things have been achieved over the years there comes a natural reticence to celebrate this with others. Saying all that however one of my biggest is recalled here when almost exactly a year ago I managed to drag my body through 40 miles of Lakeland fells.So what have I achieved in relation to my diabetes? The topic I’ve chosen comes with no medals and the rewards won’t be felt for years to come but it’s significantly huge even though the action was almost invisible. My achievement is that ……..Just over two years ago I switched on, engaged and got involved with the my diabetes.That’s it. Not hugely noticeable to others but massive for me. Recently I went through this in more detail so I’ll keep this (relatively ) brief. By initially just reading then tentatively discussing diabetes with other people in similar situations for the first time in two decades the improvement in my diabetes control has been a natural consequence. I've 'met' people who know how frustrating this darn condition can be and also offer suggestions for improvements and changes that might help. Sometimes it's just a link to further reading but everything helps. It really does. And it's the thing that really gave my D a bit of a refresh by encouraging my to get Adam and share my journey with me while feeling similarly clueless.The biggest beneficiary of this has been my family who I’m lucky enough to share my life with. Mrs Tangerine has said that I’m a much nicer and more confident person and the whole improvement in my health has played a big part in this. So it’s a thank you to everyone who’s engaged (Did I just use that word again? It’s a bit business like when what I really mean is ‘discussed’) with me and shown me that my random stress isn’t just me.Thanks for reading and be sure to check out plenty of the other blogs written today that can be found by clicking the banner at the top of the page.Dave

2 comments:

Diabetes is a very tough disease to care for. You have to make huge changes in your diet and also carefully monitor and maintain your disease.The level of sugar in blood is most essential part and if it increases above the level causes lots of problems.

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I am not a medical professional in any way. Nothing on this site should be construed as medical advice. Your diabetes will vary. Contact your health care provider for specific questions and advice. Without sounding like a pharmaceutical company – do not change medication, dosage or philosophy without speaking to your DSN, doctor, consultant or witchdoctor.